Unit 1: Resonance and Sound Waves

Explore how standing waves form and how resonance influences vibrations in strings, air columns, and sound-producing systems.

Subtopics

  • Standing Waves
  • Waves on Strings
  • Pipes and Air Columns
  • Beats and Interference
  • The Doppler Effect

Unit 2: Diffraction and Interference

Investigate how waves spread, overlap, and produce interference patterns that reveal the wave nature of light and matter.

Subtopics

  • Double Slit Diffraction
  • Single Slit Diffraction
  • Diffraction Gratings
  • Interference and Diffraction Patterns
  • Factors Affecting Diffraction and Interference

Unit 3: Thin Film Interference

Examine how light waves reflected from thin layers produce colorful interference effects and important optical technologies.

Subtopics

Unit 4: Polarization and Resolution

Study the polarization of light and discover how diffraction limits the ability of optical instruments to resolve fine detail.

Subtopics

  • Polarization of Light
  • Polarizing Filters
  • Resolution and Optical Instruments
  • Diffraction Limits
  • Applications of Polarization and Resolution

Unit 5: Simple Harmonic Motion

Develop mathematical and physical models of oscillating systems, including springs and pendulums, and explore energy transformations during motion.

Subtopics

  • Characteristics of SHM
  • Springs and Hooke's Law
  • Pendulums
  • SHM Graphs and Equations
  • Energy in Oscillatory Systems

By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze oscillatory systems, explain resonance phenomena, interpret interference and diffraction patterns, evaluate optical systems, and apply mathematical models to describe the behavior of waves and oscillations in both natural and engineered environments.

 
 
Last modified: Saturday, 13 June 2026, 7:14 AM